Passed away peacefully in the presence of his loving family on Monday, December 12, 2016, Dr. Shannon Ryan, 75 years of age, of St. John's, formerly of Riverhead, Harbour Grace. Predeceased by his parents, Bernard and Lillian Ryan, father and mother-in-law Michael and Alice White, sister-in-law Mary Ronayne-White, brother-in-law Cyril White, nephew and Godson, Theo White and many other aunts, uncles and cousins. Left to mourn with fond and loving memories are his wife Margaret (White) of 50 years, his sisters Angela (Larry) Mercer, Phyllis (John) Pretty, Brenda (Michael) Parmenter, Helen (Alex) Lindsay, brothers Bernie (Christine), Bill (Renée), nieces and nephews Larry (Elaine) Mercer, Johnny (Bernadine) Pretty, Perry (Paula) Pretty, Tracey (Glenn) Temple, Suzanne (Allan) Byrne, Bernard Ryan, Daniel Ryan (Sherry), Jeffrey Ryan (Bryn), grandnieces and grandnephews, Roxanne Mercer, Amy, Jenna and Riley Pretty, Ryan, Laura and Maria Pretty, Ethan, Bella and Jack Temple; brothers and sisters-in-law Helen White (Cyril deceased), John (Barbara) White, Walter (Christine) White, Martin White, Rose Halliday, Helen (Ron) Martin, George (Tina) White, Hayward Halliday, and many other nieces, nephews, cousins in Newfoundland and the United States, special friends, and former colleagues from Memorial University and London, England, especially Dr. John and Lynn Widdowson and family. Shannon was Professor Emeritus of History at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, where he taught for 35 years. He was a renowned scholar of the history of Newfoundland and Labrador and was the author of many important scholarly works, including histories of the seal fishery and of the 19th century cod fishery. He was a past president of the Newfoundland Historical Society and the recipient of many honours, including being elected a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He also taught, beginning at age 15, in the school systems of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Northwest Territories. He was mentor to hundreds of students at Memorial University and elsewhere and will be fondly remembered by them. He was also Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus and a Member of the Elks Club. The family would like to express sincere thanks to the nurses and staff of 4 West, St. Clare's Mercy Hospital for their care, kindness and compassion over the past weeks. We would like to thank especially Dr. Kevin Melvin, Dr. Saeed and his team, and all the other doctors and nurses who took care of him during his stay. A special thank you to Father Philip Melvin, Chaplin, St. Clare's Mercy Hospital, Father Wayne Bolton, St. Pius X Parish, and Rev. John Courage. Resting at Caul's Funeral Home, LeMarchant Road. Visitation on Wednesday from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. and Thursday from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, December 16, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. from St. Pius X Church. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Topsail Road. In lieu of flowers, donations in Shannon's memory may be made to Harbour Grace Cemetery Fund or St. Joseph's Building Fund Immaculate Conception Parish Harbour Grace, The Gathering Place or St. Clare's Mercy Hospital Auxiliary. To send a message of condolence or to sign the memorial guest book please visit www.cauls.ca